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Chevrolet Smart Key Programming: Hold the Power Button

Updated 2026 5 vehicles 2016–2020

This procedure covers 5 Chevrolet vehicles from 2016 to 2020. Check that yours is listed below, then follow the steps.

Need the fob itself?

Replacement fobs for the Chevrolet Volt (2016–2020). Match the FCC ID on your old fob before you buy.

Shop Chevrolet Volt fobs on Amazon

Not sure which fob is yours? Find your year below for the exact FCC ID and part number.

If your Chevrolet (such as the Volt) has push-button start with a smart key, you can program it yourself: Method A with two working smart keys, Method B with one or none (up to 8 total).

Before you start

  • All smart keys — working and new — with you
  • Engine off

Method A — with two working smart keys

  1. 1Remove the emergency key blade from one of the working smart keys.
  2. 2Place both working smart keys in the cupholder.
  3. 3Insert the emergency key blade into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE #2.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket (remove the rubber mat in the center-console storage area to find it).
  5. 5Press and hold the ignition POWER button for 2 seconds. When recognized, the display is ready for the next key.
  6. 6Take the key out and press Lock or Unlock. To add more, repeat the last three steps, then press and hold the POWER button about 12 seconds to exit.

Method B — with one or no working smart key

About 30 minutes; not available in Canada. With no working key, have the new blade cut by a locksmith first.

  1. 1Remove the key blade from your existing or new smart key and insert it into the driver's-door lock cylinder. Turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE #2.
  2. 2Wait 10 minutes until it shows PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press and hold the ignition POWER button (it shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING).
  3. 3Repeat that sequence two more times. After the third, all previous keys stop working and the display shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket (under the rubber mat), press and hold the POWER button 2 seconds, then take it out and press UNLOCK.
  5. 5To add another key, repeat the last step's actions, then press and hold the POWER button about 12 seconds to exit.

Which fob does your vehicle take?

These steps program a fob to your car — they can't tell you which fob to buy, and one that isn't the right part for your vehicle will not pair no matter how carefully you follow them. Find your vehicle below: tap your year for the exact fob it takes — FCC ID, OE part number and battery — or "Shop fobs" to browse replacements for that model.

Find your vehicle

Vehicles this procedure covers

These steps apply to the 5 vehicles below — 1 models across 1 make. Tap a year for that exact vehicle's fob details — FCC ID, part number and battery — or "Shop fobs" to browse replacements for that model on Amazon.

Every year, make and model this key fob programming procedure applies to
Make Model Years covered
Chevrolet Volt Shop fobs for the Chevrolet Volt on Amazon

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Rather pay someone to do it?

What a locksmith or dealer charges to program a fob, and what a lost key costs to replace outright:

Key fob programming cost Car key replacement cost

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